Things happen in life.
Days may bring hard times .
Nights you might cry yourself to sleep.
You wake up ,
Another day, another chance .
You mess shit up , you do it again.
You’re broke , you’re homeless,
Now a felon times 10 .
136262 county bound ,
W86707 state property.
You’re now a number .
Frowned upon , you’re nothing , a loser , noone loves you .
You find God which leads to
strength, determination and perseverance .
You stand up on your feet , ten toes down head held up high .
You suffer and you learn and learn again.
From that you grow and become a Phoenix, born again.
Walk straight with understanding.
You are built for this , you are built for anything.
You are strength, your are perseverance.
You are me and I say ,
No worries everything will be fine !

We Made It
By Amanda Geras

Amanda
I’m safe.
And you don’t have to worry.

All those times they poked,
Prodded,
Told you that you weren’t worthy

Look at you now
Hot career
Family, pets
Love sincere

Loads of fun
Lots of love
Travel, memories
Smiling ear to ear

Beaches, mountains
Travel far
Barbecues, bare feet
Sunshine, backyard

Near or far,
Home is home,
You’ve got someone
And you belong

No need to fear
Anymore
Hope and love
Forevermore

Don’t stress about growing up turns out we did it when we were eight.
No worries about boyfriends because we decided to get married instead of date.
Don’t freak out about our body, we end up not caring enough to hate.
Silent no longer we’ve said so many more words than we ate.
We worried about our Dad turns out we never needed one.
We were too scared to want kids, but we had two. A daughter and a son.
Being a parent IS scary but it’s also really freaking fun.
We’ll think about working and wonder what we’ll do but we do what we’ve always done. Take care of everyone.
Honestly we don’t need to stress about the future. We don’t have to run.
Turns out we didn’t have to worry about becoming an adult, leaving our childhood behind.
Because, well, we never had one.

Dear Little Me,

There has always been so much going on in that little mind of yours. It never seems to be quiet. I know you spend your time daydreaming, telling stories in your head. It brings you comfort to dream about your life. I also know you spend entirely too much time worrying.

All the time that you spend in fear of what could happen, is useless. To tell you the truth, all your deepest fears will come true. Scary things are going to happen to you, and you will still see the sun the next morning. You will still feel gentle and kind toward the world. You will learn both how brutal and beautiful life can be.

Terrible things will happen that you haven’t even considered. There will be heartbreak, grief, and failure in your future, I promise you. But this is not anything to fear or dread. Life is going to knock you to your knees time and time again, and what you have not considered, is that you will get back up time and time again.

You have not considered that maybe you are capable of handling whatever life has to bring you. You will realize your strength and your inner wisdom, and you will hold those virtues near and dear. You will persevere through every hardship, and you will learn gratitude for life and shed what is not meant for you.

Worrying right now will not prevent what is to come nor will it solve the future’s problems. That is much easier said than done, I know. If hearing that statement was enough for you to stop worrying about anything and everything, you would have stopped by now.

Right now, you are so worried about your grades, your parents, your social life, if you are likable, your appearance, not being good enough, not doing good enough, and if you will ever discover your life’s purpose. Such harsh pressures to put on yourself as a young girl.

It will take time for you to realize that the only person there is to impress, compete with, and value the opinion of is yourself. Right now, you do not know the value of letting go. You dig your claws into everything and everyone you love, and you are terrified of losing or being left. In time, you will get rid of this desperation. You will see how freeing it can be to let go of the need to control everything that happens in your life.

I know that you have always been a worrier. A mental planner for when that other shoe drops. But what if I gave you permission to let go of your worries and your need to control everything around you? Does it seem impossible to do? Is it justifiable enough coming from me?

Well firstly, turn on your stereo and dance in your bedroom. Bounce on your bed and put on your jewelry. Indulge in what your strange and beautiful little self wants most. Honor her everyday for me. Swing on swing sets at the playground, hug your mom, ride your bike until the sun goes down, write stories, eat grandma’s chocolate chip cookies, swim in the lake until your fingers turn to prunes, talk to the trees, play your music loud and embrace the not knowing what is to come next.

You will get to this place soon enough. You will find your harmony with the world amidst all the terrible things that are going to happen. They will come, and they will go, and you will still see the sun and hear the birds sing in the morning.

I can’t wait for you to see.

Your Future Self

As I sit and reflect on my past journey wondering what life could have been,
I tried to imagine what path I didn’t take and when.
Some could have made me a singer some a lawyer and some an artist,
How my life could have been different but maybe not better not even the slightest.
There are things I would have done differently so many regrets,
But I wouldn’t be the person I am even with all the upsets.
To trials and tribulations in this thing called path maker,
I’ve learned and unlearned what stitched my thoughts forever.
I may not have been a singer or lawyer or even a great painter,
But the things that really matter are the people I affect which is so much greater.
So as I reflect on the path that I am on now,
I smile with content with what makes me self-bow.
For in this life what makes what’s important is never what we think,
It’s what we’ve learned and grown from and to pass it on to every person’s eternal link.

DEAR LITTLE ME
If only you could see, see what we have accomplished
Dear little me if only you could stop, stop and enjoy what surrounds you
Dear little me if only you wouldn’t fret, fret about the things to come
The joys, the tears,, the pain, the anger, the bliss, the euphoria, the blessings, the headaches, the late nights, the early morning, the constant unending love of family, the irony of the battles you face, the fears you conquer, the anxiety you destroy, the temptations you overcome, the broken hearts you mend, the lives you touch and change
Dear little me, if only you wouldn’t fret, fret about the things to come
Dear little me if only you could stop, stop and enjoy what surrounds you
Dear little me if only you could see, see what we have accomplished
Gabriella Combs

This poem is inspired by God and the Solar Eclipse of April 2024

In the beginning you are a glowing circle surrounded by God’s light.

There will be times in life this circle starts to fill with dark spaces.

You begin to feel like there is no way out of this valley you are stuck in. Finding a way to the top of the mountain seems virtually impossible. Now the feelings of complete hopelessness and despair have set in.
The spark you once had has now faded into complete cold and darkness.

You are now at rock bottom.

Once at rock bottom your circle is now completely dark even though now you are still surrounded by God’s light.

With the passing of time the darkness only seems to worsen. All hope is now completely diminished.

Then without notice one day this tiny glimmer of hope shines through.

Just enough hope that sparks feelings of happiness, strength, and even determination.

Each passing day you continue to feel like smiling again. The light continues to take away the darkness.

Once again you find you are a glowing circle surrounded by the light of God.

Dear little girl
whose wearing pink
Your mom is mad
you spilled your drink
But wipe your tears
and come with me
And I’ll show you who
you’ll one day be

One day in the future
You’ll be laughing with your son
You’ll splash in all the milk that spilled
A time for joy and fun

Your vow to never yell at your kids
Well sorry that won’t come true
Yeah you just hold your little breath
Your kids are just like you

Dear teenage rough and tumble girl
I know your body shy
But someday you’ll embrace those
Curves and so will your special guy

One day you’ll pick a wedding dress
It will be laced with gold and white
You will make many mistakes in life
But there’s more that you’ll do right

Oh young adult ,
I know you feel
like you couldnt face another day
Your daddy died your hating life
So you drink your pain away

Well if I can just be honest
Your life will never be too perfect
But if you can just hold on for me
I promise it will be worth it

One day you’ll be clean and sober
And not care what others say
Girl Come with me so you can see
Who you will will be someday

One day you’ll be a mother ,
A writer, a wife, it’s true
One day you’ll say ” I built this life ”
But my dear, this life built you …

One day you’ll miss
these times you have
And you’ll ache for
“the way it used to be”
You’ll talk about
the good ol days
You’ll miss this part of me

One day you’ll think you figured out
The secret truth to living
I’ll tell you now, it not what you gain
It’s more in what your giving

So little girl so insecure and
unsure of who she is ,
if you give this life your everything
You’ll have so much more life to live.

So let it go, and don’t you worry
Take a breath and release all sorrow
Hang on for me for who you’ll be
Will get better with each tomroow

IT’S A WONDERFUL RIDE

What if you fall on the sidewalk and your knee’s really bleeding
What if you can’t find a grown up to help with what you are needing
What if mommy forgets you in the classroom one day
What if you can’t hit the ball and kids won’t let you play
What if you fail the math test that you studied for last night
What if that loud mouthed bully is just itching to fight
What if the guy you love this week doesn’t like you at all
What if you think that you’re ugly- Too fat, short, thin or tall
What if someone says “Smoke this- And you’ll be super cool”
What if you can’t tell the truth when they call your parents to school
What if you have to drink beer to fit in with your friends
What if you have to have sex- Or the relationship ends
You’re scared and you’re sad- Sometimes stressed and depressed
And wonder if this world without you might just be for the best
Yet before you do anything drastic or strange
Or make an impulsive decision which you never can change
These feelings are valid and I don’t mean to diminish
But I’ve seen this whole movie from the start to the finish
And here’s a spoiler alert which you just shouldn’t ignore
What’s coming is magnificent and magic and more
And these day to day issues that now seem so traumatic
You’ll see were just trivial and for the most part- dramatic
Please believe this old lady and take the small stuff in stride
Because what if someday you realize- Your life’s been one amazing ride

Each accidental splotch of paint
creates a living masterpiece
discreetly layered in pain and joy–
choice contrasts for arousing art.

The darker strokes of greens and blues
stress hues of gold and bubblegum;
they sculpt perspective, hone your mind,
and prime you for the perfect life.

Deprive the whole of any piece,
you’ll cease to recognize its form–
unborn I’d be in every way,
betrayed by needless worrying

so fling your colors, live it up
rub bristles through the newest parts,
regard today with certainty–
you’re free to paint this masterpiece.

You will get off the school bus
After an hour-long ride
You will feel like an alien
Accidentally dropped earth side

Abandoned houses will surround you
The windows, covered with bars
All the yards will be overgrown
And riddled with broken down cars

Your eyes will dart
From one side to the other
Making sure the coast is clear
Before you run home to mother

You will run and run harder
Through one last alley
Your home is the Tower Motel
It will feel like an uncanny valley

You won’t care about the crack pipes
Or the eviction notice taped to the door
Your only worry in the world?
Will be someone seeing you for what you think you are

A conman’s daughter
With an addict of a mother
Living in a motel
Perpetually undercover

You will live this double life
As the gifted girl without a home
But please know, you will get out of here soon
You do not have to endure this all alone

What if someone see’s you?
What will you do if you get caught?
You will be wrapped up in one worry
But there is one thing you forgot

If you run so well
You will never get to see
What happens if they catch you
Is almost always nothing, fortunately

All that running in order to survive
It will teach you to be fast and to be sly
But it will train you and maim you
And teach you too well how to say goodbye

One day you will be 30
Long gone are those days
You will have nothing more to hide
You will no longer feel ashamed

So I shout, don’t worry if they catch you
Don’t let this be your only thought
Let your tired legs give out
You will only know peace when you are caught

For when you are caught
Your legs get to rest and heal
Trust that they will see you
For what’s right, what’s good and what’s real

A resilient daughter
A fearless friend
Living in a home built from truth
With walls that don’t have to pretend

Hey, You.
Are you feeling anxious right now?
Or are you afraid of the results of your tests?
It’s indeed frustrating when the test questions are something you don’t know how to answer. It feels like your effort to study was for nothing.
Which place will you land in?
Who will stand beside you there?
“Am I gonna be OK?” you question that every day since the test ended.
“What if my worst fear comes true?” You don’t have an appetite until you know you are safe.

Hey, You. Come here.

Hug me and let all your feelings flood out. Let them stream freely in our body, no need to block them, even though they sting and squeeze our heart much.
It’s OK.
Nothing happens for nothing.
Bruises are there to show us that we are fighters.
The pain we are most afraid of?
When that happens, we will be strong enough to handle it.

Sometimes, what you expect betrays you.
What you want slips from your hands.
What you need is too far to reach.

Sometimes you will cry loud and alone.
Other times, you will be too numb to feel anything.
Too tired to even try.
Don’t worry.
Even with all the blood and scars, eventually, everything is going to be OK for you.
Because you will never stop when things are difficult. You will only stop when things are finished.
You will fall and hurt, but you will always get back up and stand stronger.
And without you realizing it, you will be at the peak of the mountain you’ve been trying to conquer! Your dreams will come true one by one. Trust me, they will.
Then you will understand that your dream not for nothing, but because you can achieve them.

Go on.
Keep making new dreams.
Let people laugh at your dreams.
Because it does not matter whether you achieve them or not,
You know the goal itself is what inspires you to be better.
The curiosity to break the ceiling is the reason you always try as hard as you can.

And that’s enough for you.

You are happy as the one who always learns and tries their best.
And that’s how you will always be OK.

Senior year and you won’t pass
Not college, but summer class

Big brother grows up and then moves off
Mom gets tired and starts to cough

Just you and dad, but that’s okay
Another morning, another day

In college soon, for a phd
Then the world to go and see

The world is tough, as you will learn
Dreams will fade and cease to burn

You’ll marry next, kids on the way
Bills pile up, hairs go gray

Soon dad will go, then brother, too
You won’t believe you’ve made it through

It seems too much for you right now
But here you are, some way some how

Just hold on tight to friends and kin
And you will start to smile again

Your pain will turn to joy because
You’ll learn to love from what you’ve lost

Dear Annie,

In the vast expanse of time and space,
Where destiny weaves its intricate lace,
I pen this poem to your younger self,
To whisper secrets of wisdom and wealth.

Know, dear Annie, you were meant for more,
Destined to soar, to explore and adore,
Every twist and turn, every rise and fall,
Was but a stepping stone, part of it all.

In the depths of darkness, you will find light,
Embrace the storms, for they will ignite,
A fire within, a strength untold,
To conquer mountains, brave and bold.

Remember, Annie, you are a force,
A catalyst for change, a guiding course,
Your dreams are the compass, leading the way,
To a future bright, where you’ll have your say.

The hardships you face, the losses you bear,
Are not in vain, but lessons to share,
They shape your character, make you strong,
A beacon of hope, where hearts belong.

Believe in the power that lies within,
Unveil your dreams, let them begin,
For greatness awaits, just around the bend,
A destiny written, waiting to ascend.

So, dear Annie, trust in the path you tread,
Each step you take, the universe has led,
Embrace the journey, for it is true,
Your destinations were known before you.

With love and inspiration,
Your older self

18 thoughts, 18 smiles.
18 wonders,
From an 18 year old child.

My heart quickens its pace,
Excitement tells me to shout.
But at the same time,
Come dream-mares of my teeth
Falling out.

I lie between my mothers legs,
Still mentally clinging to her breasts.
As she untangles the hair of a soon no-longer child,
I realize this is my last moment in the
nest.

18 is wings not fully grown,
18 is expectation that threatens
To snap the bone.

18 is flying and thrill.
18 is the promise that never again
Will my heart be still.

To the me from years ago,
To the one who wasn’t sure,
We made it. Lovingly signed,
You from the future.

Dont rush to be an adult
You are only a child once
In the same breath I utter
Live life to the fullest

You may seem awkward and quiet now
But once puberty hits you are a radiant flower
A beautiful mind; a caring soul
Slaying in style even at your lowest

A people’s person
Someone you can always count on
These qualities help later on
Don’t let anyone underestimate your beauty.

“Teachers pet” is often said about you
Always punctual
It helps because almost everyone that comes in contact with you relies on you.

You have hard times
But you are going to face them head on
So strong that your enemies become friends.

So spiritual
You see everyone’s side
Always knowing God is in control.

I say this to say
Don’t worry Sapphire
Your life only gets better
The pressure you experience is for the joy that’s being hidden by time.

“What does ‘Live your best life’ even mean?”
Keep your eyes open, Free Girl!
Sure, we’re told,
“Stay busy like ants.
Work your life away.”
Alas, like soft silt
down hill
post rain,
time won’t come back.
Your only real task,
echo love with each soul.
Tick. Tock.

“What next?”
Well, very much like your bike path,
from apex into apex
each life turn will come.
Then pass.
Some will seem very fast.
Don’t fret-
they help make sure your true hues stay rich.

When fear robs your rest with this idea,
“Play dead when life gets hard”,
tell your soul this:
“God’s good gift isn’t void!”
He’ll make sure
good crop will grow once more.
Only then will your fret ease.

We’re each hand made.
God’s very clay.
Feel Calm? Good.
Also, this isn’t over.
Your last wish,
even your best hope,
can’t spur your pals once they pass.
They need Good News from your lips.
“God’s more than able!”
Tell them.
Read God’s Holy Word over them.
Pray with them.
Amen?
Only true love does that.

Turn your life
into more than mere dead ends.
“Okay then, when will…?”
-Soon!
Very soon.
We’ve been made with this task:
wait well.
Tick.
Tock.

God’s Gift: Life, Fear Less.

With Much Love,
-Fate

Galaxy uprose from the tablets of shelter.
Space glaze the innocent soul that’s been in isolation.
Self placement, Time construction, Silence.
Legacy walks the foot of the Magic Goddess that force her silence within.
Not even know her power, She struggles with the anxiety, insecurities, anger, sadness the burdens of the up bringing of her life.
Days upon Days, Year after Year.
Her growth tested the healing process of social interaction.
Still not knowing her worth and power.
She gotten stray away from her path.
Adulting finally stops in and life begins.
My Majestic the powerful impressive magic that runs through your veins.
Fear does not control. Stop worrying about the image of the projection of others looking your way.
The preparation from the education system you step into, was meant to grant the vision of your legacy.
Your power is your voice, your love is healing and your legacy is your Life.
Push worry out and vocal the legacy in your power.

Dear Past and Future Self,

In the tapestry of time, I scribe this rhyme,
A letter from the heart, transcending time’s chime.
To my younger self, and to my future being,
A message of hope, in the midst of life’s seeing.

Worry not, for the future’s veil,
Hides treasures beyond what eyes avail.
Life’s essence, more than meets the gaze,
Unfolds in mysterious, wondrous ways.

Perfection’s illusion, a fleeting mirage,
Yet in imperfection, we find courage.
Continue on, with a steadfast mind,
For therein lies the strength to find.

Know thyself, in the depths and heights,
To navigate life’s darkest nights.
Open-mindedness, a beacon bright,
Illuminating paths in the darkest night.

Mental health, a vital part,
Nurtured with care, a work of art.
Understand its worth, its profound grace,
To traverse life’s maze with steady pace.

Assumptions, like shadows, loom,
Reflecting back the inner gloom.
Catch them swiftly, before they grow,
In understanding, let wisdom flow.

Learn from every twist and turn,
For therein lies the power to discern.
Build better from each situation,
A testament to life’s transformation.

Love life’s journey, embrace its call,
In every rise, in every fall.
For in becoming the best version of you,
Lies the essence of what is true.

So, dear selves, heed these lines,
As you journey through life’s designs.
With love and courage, forge ahead,
For in each moment, life is led.

Dear Young Victoria,

I know you might be feeling overwhelmed right now, but I want you to take a deep breath and listen closely. There’s so much I want to tell you, so many things I wish I could whisper into your ear as you navigate through the ups and downs of life. First and foremost, I want you to know that everything is going to be okay.

You see, I’m writing to you from a place of peace and contentment that I never thought possible. It’s taken years of hard work, self-reflection, and healing to get to where I am today, but trust me when I say it’s all been worth it. And guess what? You’ll get here too.

Victoria, you’re finally finding peace, and that’s something to celebrate. You’ve spent so much time worrying about everyone else and trying to live up to impossible standards, but now you’re making time for yourself. You’re learning to prioritize your own needs and desires, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer.

One thing I need you to understand is that you won’t always look like what you’ve been through. Those scars, both visible and invisible, are a testament to your strength and resilience, but they don’t define you. You are so much more than your past pain, and as you continue to heal, you’ll discover just how beautiful and powerful you truly are.

And speaking of past pain, let’s talk about that guy you couldn’t seem to shake. The one who broke your heart and left you feeling broken and unworthy. Well, guess what? You don’t have to worry about him anymore. You’ve finally made peace with the fact that he wasn’t meant for you, and you’ve let him go. You’ve realized that he’s not worth the energy or the tears, and you’ve set yourself free from his toxic hold. Let the streets have him, as you said, and focus on building a life that brings you joy and fulfillment.

I’m so proud of you for writing that self-care book. It’s an incredible achievement, and it’s going to help so many people who are struggling just like you once were. And your poetry book? It’s a masterpiece, a testament to your creativity and talent. Never doubt the power of your words to touch hearts and change lives.

Oh, and remember when you set those goals in your journal? Well, guess what? You’ve achieved every single one of them. You paid off your first car, you pursued your passions, and you never gave up on your dreams. Sure, some chapters had to be closed along the way, but that’s okay. Not everyone is meant to stay in your story, and you’ve learned to let go of those who were holding you back.

You’ve learned to navigate away from toxic situations and narcissistic individuals who served you no good. It hasn’t always been easy, but with each challenge, you’ve grown stronger and more resilient. You’ve overcome abuse and survived what was meant to destroy you. And through it all, you’ve emerged as a survivor, a warrior, a force to be reckoned with.One of the most important lessons I’ve learned along the way is the importance of letting go. Letting go of people who no longer serve you, letting go of expectations, and most importantly, letting go of the need to constantly please others at the expense of your own happiness. It’s not easy, but it’s necessary. And Victoria, please remember this: you are not obligated to give anyone second, third, or fourth chances. Love yourself enough to walk away from anything that doesn’t bring you joy or serve your higher purpose.

Speaking of love, let’s talk about that for a moment. You don’t need a man to validate your worth. You are beautiful, inside and out, and you don’t need anyone else to confirm that for you. Focus on building a stable foundation for yourself before seeking out a partner. Look for someone who shares your values and aspirations, someone who wants to build a life with you, not just pass the time.

But Victoria, love isn’t the only thing life has to offer. There’s so much more out there waiting for you to explore. Travel, cry, feel, seek, learn, make mistakes, breathe, and above all, never stop believing in yourself. You are capable of achieving great things, but you have to be willing to take risks and step outside of your comfort zone.

And don’t forget about your dreams. That business you’ve been dreaming of starting? You can do it. Don’t let fear or doubt hold you back. Keep striving for greater things, and never lose sight of what truly matters to you.

So, my dear Victoria, as you continue on this journey called life, remember to be kind to yourself. Remember to prioritize your own well-being and happiness. And most importantly, remember that you are enough, just as you are. You are worthy of love, respect, and all the good things life has to offer.

With love and admiration,
Victoria (Your Older Self)